Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, Friday Afternoon

[hasaknightjob]

Thursday had been spent enjoying themselves as much as possible, including the couples massage which had proven a great way to wind down after some sight seeing.

Friday... Friday was quieter.

Steven sat outside by their pool. He was dressed in his swimsuit but he was currently sitting cross legged by the edge of the pool looking into the water.

Looking at his reflection. Which was his reflection.

Which was fine. Good. What Steven was for, of course. Handling things that were too much or too painful for Marc to deal with.

Still. It wasn't as though Steven liked dealing with it either.

Steven sighed and kept looking down towards the water, not sure what to do.

[for the beau. warning for discussion of parent death and child abuse]

Comments

[pocketpretzels]

"My rare one," Watts murmured, holding on tightly. "The love of my life."

[hasaknightjob]

"I wish I could introduce you to my parents," Steven said. The plural very much indicating he knew how impossible this was. "Show off how I've found a wonderful man who cares for me."

[pocketpretzels]

"I wish that were possible too," Watts replied. "So I could show them I was worthy of you."

[hasaknightjob]

"Maybe Dad some day," Steven said. Though even his deep seated hope sounded dim at the prospect.

[pocketpretzels]

"You never know what the future holds," Watts agreed. It was unlikely but not impossible.

[hasaknightjob]

"You're beyond worthy, you know," Steven said. "More amazing than I could have ever imagined."

[pocketpretzels]

"How you know I'm real," Watts said lightly. "Who could possibly dream me up?"

[hasaknightjob]

Steven pulled back just enough to look at him face to face. "I would dream up kind. Intelligent. Caring. Handsome. But I would never think of someone who likes baking. Who teaches himself all sorts of languages. Who is a poet. Who takes in a little cat who needed a second chance. Who tries so hard at his piano even when the pieces don't come easily. You're right. There's too many details about you to love for you to be made up."

[pocketpretzels]

"That you see all that in me means the world," Watts replied, meeting Steven's gaze.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave Llewellyn a soft kiss. "That and more besides. Like you bringing me a plate of things to nibble on when I'm poorly."

[pocketpretzels]

"Not eating would leave you feeling worse in the long run," Watts pointed out.

[hasaknightjob]

"Starting to feel peckish, actually," Steven admitted. "Maybe we could order more in? Do - do you mind staying here today? Taking advantage of our space?"

[pocketpretzels]

"I've sunshine, a swimming pool, and the man I love," Watts said. "I'm perfectly content to remain here."

[hasaknightjob]

"Wonderful view as well," Steven said. He was of course looking at Llewellyn.

[pocketpretzels]

"Rather fond of mine at the moment," Watts agreed.

[hasaknightjob]

"Could order some food and lounge in the sun?" Steven suggested. "Coming in for a dip when it gets too warm?"

[pocketpretzels]

"That sounds absolutely decadent," Watts declared. "I am all for it."

[hasaknightjob]

"Me as well," Steven said. He grimaced. "Nothing too difficult, yeah? Not trying to tax myself."

[pocketpretzels]

"Good," Watts said. "As I'll have none of that. Your heart's already had so much today."

[hasaknightjob]

"Lucky me my heart is in good hands," Steven said. He took one of Llewellyn's hands and placed it over his chest. "Safe and sound."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts gave Steven's chest a gentle pat, then followed it up by leaning in to press a kiss to that same spot. Only then he was left trying not to grimace at the taste of chlorine on Steven's skin.

[hasaknightjob]

"Perhaps a quick rinse in the shower once we're out?" Steven suggested.

[pocketpretzels]

"Together?" Watts waggled his eyebrows at Steven.

[hasaknightjob]

Steven grinned. "I rather hoped so."

[pocketpretzels]

"Then I am all for it," Watts replied.